Reckless Hearts

Chapter 17

The following morning, the boys still weren't back.

There was no sign of Arthur, Javier or Charles, and you wondered if something had happened.

Even if something had, there was little your could do about it. You just kept trying to convince yourself that everything was going to be ok.

It was another warm day, and despite yourself, you were glad that you were wearing the skimpy blouse, rather than a thick shirt.

As directed by Susan, the first thing you did, was head over to the wash tub, and wash your arm, followed by applying the cream. As much as you appreciated Dutch's kindness, you felt he had an ulterior motive to helping you apply it, so you decided to avoid him.

Once that was out the way, you grabbed the book he had given you, and found a tree to lean up against and started to read.

John had now just about recovered from the wolf attack in the mountains. The downside for him, was that he seemed to be drawing the short straw for guard duty.

As he walked past you, towards the track, he mumbled something.

"What was that?" you asked, looking up from your book.

John rolled his eyes, "I said, its alright for some!" he scoffed.

You smirked, "I'm just following orders, Dutch told me I shouldn't over do it."

John shook his head, "there's overdoing it, and doing nothin'. Your turning into Uncle."

"Excuse me!" you objected. "I'm nothing like Uncle, if I was I'd be lying here drunk. Besides, I can't do any guard duty, if no one's taught me how to use a rifle."

"Well we wouldn't want you to strain yourself," he mocked, as he headed off into the trees.

Feeling a little guilty, for just sitting around, you decided to put your book away. You saw Hosea, sitting at the table, by himself. Maybe now was a good time, to try and mend a few bridges.

You sat down opposite him, at the table.

Hosea looked up. "Kara, how's the arm?" he asked.

You smiled, "Not to bad. The doctor said you did a good job. I just need to get the strength back."

"Can I look?" he asked, somewhat anxiously.

You held out your arm.

He looked, and nodded. "You just need to be patient, and take it slowly."

You rolled your eyes, "that's what Dutch said yesterday," you huffed.

Hosea chuckled, "Ahh the impatience of youth!"

He looked serious for a moment. "I am sorry, about what happened in Blackwater. I should have told you. But it was for your own good."

You sighed, "So much happened to me back there, so much changed for me. I guess I was angry when I found out. Not just because of that, but because of everything."

Hosea nodded, "I understand, the real person to blame for everything is Micah. He almost broke your jaw, and it was pretty much down to him, that the Blackwater job went south."

You nodded, "He really hates me Hosea. It's probably my own fault, because of what I did. Making him miss that bottle."

Hosea laughed, "I get the feeling you don't like to lose. I don't think Micah does either. But you have different ways of going about things. My advice to you, is when he comes back, to avoid him."